DWWA 2013 Germany Judging Panel

Igor Ryjenkov MW was born in Russia but moved to Canada shortly after graduating with a degree in journalism. He became interested in the wine industry after a visit to the Niagara Peninsula, which led to a period of studying, tasting and travelling. From 1995 to 2003 he completed WSET courses to Diploma level and achieved his MW, during which time he was twice awarded the North American Scholarship and also received the Henkell-Sohnlein Award for Best Dissertation. Igor "turned pro" in 1999, working first in on-trade sales for a wine agency and then as a retail product specialist with the LCBO. As seven years on the front line in Ontario’s two largest retail locations, Igor was promoted to European Wines Product Manager for Vintages, the premium wine division of the LCBO. Igor has contributed to a number of wine books and manuals, has judged in several international wine competitions, and regularly travels to the key wine producing areas for business or as a part of educational MW visits.

Latest poll

You may have heard of a new wine gadget selling for just under US$300 called 'Coravin' which claims to allow wine to be tasted multiple times from the same bottle without ever removing the cork. Are you...

Intrigued. It sounds like a great idea and I would be interested in buying one (1263 vote, 29%)

Cautious, I would have to see it in action before I made my mind up (1239 vote, 28%)

Sceptical, I wouldn't risk it with my old and rare vintages (687 vote, 16%)

Not interested - if I want a glass of wine I'll just open the bottle (1179 vote, 27%)